ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Education
New India Literacy Programme launched to cover a target of 5.00 crore non-literates in the age group of 15 years and above
Government has launched a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely, “New India Literacy Programme”  for implementation during five years from the FYs 2022-23 to 2026-27 with financial outlay of Rs.1037.90 crore out of which Rs.700.00 crore is Central share and Rs.337.90 crore is State share. The scheme aims to cover a target of 5.00 crore non-literates in the age group of 15 years and above. The Scheme has five components:  Foundational Literacy and Numeracy,  Critical Life Skills,  Vocational Skills Development,  Basic Education and  Continuing Education.
The beneficiaries under the scheme are identified through door to door survey on Mobile App by the surveyors in the States/UTs. The non-literate can also avail the benefit of the scheme through direct registration from any place through mobile app. The scheme is mainly based on volunteerism for teaching and learning. Volunteers can also register through mobile app for this purpose.
The scheme is based on technology and implemented predominantly through online mode. The teaching learning material and resources have been made available on DIKSHA platform of NCERT and can be accessed through the mobile-apps. Further, other modes like TV, Radio, Samajik Chetna Kendra etc. are also to be used for dissemination of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy. All the non-literate above 15 years of age can avail the benefits of the scheme.
The information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Smt. Annpurna Devi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
Union Minister of State Dr L Murugan pays tributes to Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar
Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Information & Broadcasting, Dr L Murugan today paid tributes to freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar on his birth anniversary today.
"Today is the birthday of the great Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar, who declared spirituality and politics as his two eyes. He simultaneously served the country, Tamil, spirituality and politics and gave his voice for the people. Let us salute him," said Shri Murugan.
The birth anniversary of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar is being celebrated as Thevar Jayanthi today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
India achieves the major milestone of ‘one billion’ vaccinations
18,454 new cases in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 98.15%; Highest since March 2020
17,561 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,34,95,808
Active cases account for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.52%; Lowest since March 2020
India's Active caseload stands at 1,78,831
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 3% for last 118 days
Daily positivity rate  less than 3% for last 52 days
59.57 cr Total Tests conducted so far
Ministry of Finance
Monthly Review of Accounts of Union Government of India upto January 2023 for Financial Year 2022-23
The Monthly Account of the Union Government of India upto the month of January, 2023 has been consolidated and reports published. The highlights are given below:
The Government of India has received ₹19,76,483 crore  upto January, 2023 comprising ₹16,88,710 crore Tax Revenue , ₹2,30,939 crore of Non-Tax Revenue and ₹57,194 crore of Non-Debt Capital Receipts. Non-Debt Capital Receipts consists of Recovery of Loans of ₹18,523 crore and Miscellaneous Capital Receipts of ₹38,671 crore. ₹6,67,770 crore has been transferred to State Governments as Devolution of Share of Taxes by Government of India upto this period which is ₹1,22,378 crore higher than the previous year.
Total Expenditure incurred by Government of India is ₹31,67,648 crore , out of which ₹25,97,756 crore is on Revenue Account and ₹5,69,892 crore is on Capital Account. Out of the Total Revenue Expenditure, ₹7,38,658 crore is on account of Interest Payments and ₹3,99,400 crore is on account of Major Subsidies.
Ministry of Power
REC to provide loan to Damodar Valley Corporation for setting up 1,320 MW Thermal Power Project in Raghunathpur, West Bengal
REC Limited, the Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, has entered into a pact with Damodar Valley Corporation , under which REC will provide a loan of Rs. 4,527.68 crore to DVC for setting up a 1,320 MW thermal power project  at Raghunathpur in West Bengal.
The Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station Phase-II project, a collaborative effort between REC and DVC, will contribute significantly to the power generation capacity in West Bengal. With a combined capacity of 1,320 MW, the project marks a key milestone in the energy landscape of the region.
As the project progresses, REC and DVC remain dedicated to ensure its successful implementation, adhering to the highest standards of efficiency, innovation, and environmental responsibility. This strategic partnership between REC and DVC underlines their collective commitment to foster sustainable development and strengthen the power sector.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Shri Ram Naresh Singh, Chairman; Shri Arup Sarkar, Member ; Dr. John Mathai, MemberSecretary; Shri M. Raghu Ram, Member ; Shri Joydeep Mukherjee, Executive Director ; and Shri Sumit Kumar Das, Senior General Manager  from Damodar Valley Corporation, and Shri Pankaj Verma, CPM from REC Limited.
REC Limited is an NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India. It provides financial assistance to state electricity boards, state governments, central/state power utilities, independent power producers, rural electric cooperatives and private sector utilities. Its business activities involve financing projects in the complete power sector value chain; for various types of projects including Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Renewable Energy. REC’s funding illuminates every fourth bulb in India.
DVC is a public sector undertaking under the union Ministry of Power, engaged in power generation and transmission, catering to the energy needs of the eastern region of the country.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
I&B Secretary Amit Khare leads Indian Delegation to Cannes Film Festival
India Pavilion to be inaugurated at Cannes
Special IFFI poster for its Golden Jubilee Edition to be released at the Festival
Co-Production and Single Window Clearance initiatives would facilitate integration of Indian Film Makers with Production Houses worldwide: Amit Khare
India Pavilion is set to be inaugurated at Cannes Film Festival, which will be held from 14th to 25th May 2019. The Pavilion will showcase Indian cinema across linguistic, cultural and regional diversity, with the aim of forging international partnerships in distribution, production, filming in India, script development, technology, promoting film sales and syndication. It will be set up by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in association with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The Pavilion serves as a platform for the Indian Delegates to meet International Delegates attending the Festival to promote networking with other countries and organizations. The Pavilion also serves as an information dissemination point about India and Indian Cinema for the Global Film Community.
The Indian Delegation this year will be led by Shri Amit Khare, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The Film Delegation would consist of Shri Prasoon Joshi, Chairman, CBFC and acclaimed filmmakers Shri Rahul Rawail, Shri Shaji N. Karun and Shri Madhur Bhandarkar.
During the Festival, the Indian Delegation will be interacting with key stakeholders of Cannes as well as other members of the film fraternity. A key focus area of the Indian Delegation this year will be to promote the Golden Jubilee Edition of International Film Festival of India to be held in Goa later this year. A specially designed IFFI poster for the Golden Jubilee Edition will also be released during the Festival.
The Delegation will also popularise steps taken to ease shooting films in India through Film Facilitation Office that facilitates Single Window Clearance for film-makers and steps by the Government to combat film piracy. To take advantage of availability of technicians and skilled professionals, India will be showcased as a post-production hub to promote collaborations for films with international production houses. A comprehensive Film Guide will also be distributed at the India Pavilion to showcase the importance of the film ecosystem and Government incentives to shoot in India.
Elaborating further, Shri Amit Khare, Secretary, I&B Ministry said that “the initiatives such as co-production and single window clearance would facilitate integration of the Indian Film makers with production houses worldwide.” He further added that “it would be possible for filmmakers of different countries to come together under bilateral co-production agreements. These arrangements would also forge new markets and wider audiences by making India a hub for shooting world class international movies.”
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Lighting System on National Highways
Indian Roads Congress  guidelines specify provision of lighting on NHs at locations such as built-up sections, toll plaza areas, rest areas, truck lay-byes, bus bays and bus shelter locations, grade-separated structures, interchanges, flyovers, underpasses  and overpasses. Accordingly, lighting is generally provided in the above-mentioned road-sections/locations in 4-laning and 6-laning projects. In 2-laning projects, lighting is also provided in toll plazas and other locations as mentioned above as per provisions in the respective contract agreements. The scope of lighting in a project is decided based on the requirement assessed during preparation of Detailed Project Report  from safety and other technical considerations and also taking into account proposals/suggestions received from different quarters including State Governments.
There is no proposal to provide median lighting on entire National Highways except in sections/ locations mentioned above.
Government has taken following steps to check accidents on National Highways in the country:
i. Amendment of Motor Vehicle Act with variety of provisions to enhance road safety ii. Permanent rectification of accident black spots
iii. Road safety audit in design, construction and operation stages. iv. Incident management.
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- Providing traffic calming measures.
- Road Safety awareness campaigns/ trainings/ programs
- Free eye check-up camps and distribution of eye-glasses to truck/ bus drivers operating on National Highways.
State Governments look after the law and order situation on National Highways within their jurisdiction including theft.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
MJPS
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Ministry of Finance
ECLGS’ scope expanded and scheme extended till 31.03.2022
Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme  since its launch, has extended relief to over 1.15 crore Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  and businesses. It has provided support to eligible borrowers in meeting their operational liabilities and restarting their businesses in the wake of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As on 24th September 2021, loans sanctioned have crossed Rs. 2.86 lakh crore under the Scheme and out of total guarantees issued, about 95% of the guarantees issued are for loans sanctioned to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
Government has been receiving demands from various Industry bodies and other stakeholders to extend the scheme to ensure continued support to eligible sectors/businesses. With a view to support various businesses impacted by the second wave of COVID 19 pandemic, it has been has decided to extend the timeline of Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme  till 31.03.2022 or till guarantees for an amount of Rs 4.5 lakh crore are issued under the scheme, whichever is earlier. Further, the last date of disbursement under the scheme has also been extended to 30.06. 2022.
The following modifications have been made in the scheme to enable support to businesses impacted by the second wave of COVID
- Existing borrowers under ECLGS 1.0 & 2.0 would be eligible for additional credit support of upto 10% of total credit outstanding as on 29.02.2020 or 31.03.2021, whichever is higher.
- Businesses who have not availed assistance under ECLGS , can avail credit support of upto 30% of their credit outstanding as on 31.03.2021.
- Businesses in sectors specified under ECLGS 3.0, who have previously not availed ECLGS, can avail credit support up to 40% of their credit outstanding as on 31.03.2021, to the maximum of Rs.200 crore per borrower;
- Incremental credit can be availed within these limits by existing ECLGS borrowers whose eligibility increased because of change in cut off date to 31.03.2021 from 29.02.2020.
- Accordingly, Borrowers who have availed assistance under ECLGS and whose credit outstanding as on 31.03.2021  is higher than that on 29.02.2020 shall be eligible for incremental support within the cap stipulated under ECLGS 1.0,2.0 or 3.0.
The modification introduced would ensure that businesses adversely impacted by the second wave of COVID 2019 get enhanced collateral free liquidity . Further this provides much needed support to all the ECLGS borrowers  in time for the busy / festival season.
The revised operational guidelines in this regard are being issued separately by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited .
Ministry of Education
IIT Kharagpur Collaborates with Startup in Eastern India to promote Industry 4.0 Manufacturing
Kolkata, January 6, 2020
The Center of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing Technology at IIT Kharagpur is roping in MSMEs for collaborative R&D projects and consultancy to develop resources for Industry 4.0. In a recent initiative, the Centre, which is funded by the Department of Heavy Industry of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India, has signed an MoU with a Kolkata-based startup Hemraj Infocom to promote industrial consultancy and industrial research internship for students.
Hemraj Infocom will be the first affiliate member in the industry consortium of the Centre which is currently led by top industries as Tata Motor, Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Steel, Tata Sons, BHEL, and HEC.
Prof. Surjya K Pal who is heading Centre said, “We are looking forward to more such startups joining the consortium whom we will offer mentorship in the area of Industry 4.0 applications. With Hemraj we will be mentoring them in the manufacturing applications in which our Centre has got a strong foothold. They will also have access to the facilities at our Centre both to the experts and infrastructure. We will also provide them with free training on cutting-edge industrial applications, research solutions for their typical industrial challenges such as cloud computing, real-time data processing, analysis and storage, networking and automation, real-time process monitoring.”
Hemraj Infocom is working in combined areas of IoT, AIML, Robotics, Automation and which will prove to be revolutionary with a new industrial boom in India in the near future.
Soham Dasgupta, CEO of Hemraj Infocom confirmed submission of projects for mentorship in voice enabled survey devices, predictive maintenance for motors. He is hopeful such research internships will further boost MSME culture in the region. “We are also looking for upgrading the research skills of our human resources,” said Dasgupta.
The Centre has been conducting several industry-aligned workshops, short-term courses, talks by industry experts for MSMEs and capital goods sector in areas such as computer numerical controls, composite manufacturing, metalography. The programmes are also open for students from other educational institutions. For affiliate members such training workshops will be conducted free of cost and also a huge pool of student researchers in diverse areas of Industry 4.0 would be made available to work on problem statements.
CG
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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
History and Future of Indian Animation presented at Masterclass held at SCO FIlm Festival
Indian Animation industry has potential to create creative leadership: Kireet Khurana
Mumbai, 30 January 2023
A masterclass on Indian Animation: History & Future was conducted by National Award Winning Filmmaker Kireet Khurana on the 4th Day of SCO Film Festival in Mumbai. Kireet Khurana took the audience on a journey describing the growth of Animation film making in India. Kireet highlighted the important role played by Claire Weeks in the inception of the Animation Industry in India and how his protegee Ram Mohan grew to become the father of the Indian Animation Industry.
The journey of Indian animation started with the Government setting up the Cartoon films unit in 1955 in the FIlm division complex at Mumbai. In subsequent decades Ram Mohan produced various award winning films including Banyan Deer, the first Animation tele film. Bhim Sen and VG Samant were other prominent filmmakers of that era.
The Indian Animation Industry took a big leap in 1992 with the creation of Cartoon character 'Meena' and her parrot 'Mithoo'. It was done under the auspices of UNESCO to sensitise masses towards female infanticide. Later, Meena's character inspired the creation of another called Sana, in the African context. Another landmark animation movie of that period ‘Ramayana’ was co-produced with Japanese help. Ram Mohan's contributions in both movies were immense. The industry kept evolving in subsequent decades and movies like Arjuna, Goopi Gawaiya and Baga Bajaiya made their presence felt.
Kireet Khurana explained how during modern times, VFX has emerged as a new avatar of the animation industry. He cited examples of Indian filmmakers like Upamanyu Bhattacharya, who are developing movies like ‘WADA’ on similar lines. He stated that the Animation industry is also getting increased traction in the gaming and Comics industries.
Talking about challenges, Khurana said that filmmakers often lack the right platforms to showcase their films. Their contribution is hardly recognised in comparison to live action movies. He noted that in India, the animation industry is only doing backend jobs and suggested India hold an animation festival like Annecy in France to facilitate the growth of the animation industry. He said India should aspire to follow the path of Japan’s Anime Industry which is world renowned. Khurana was optimistic that industry has potential to grow from the current $1.3B to $40B by 2030 and provide employment to 20 Lakh people.PIB Mumbai | DD/VS/GSK/DR
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Ministry of Jal Shakti
Nobel laureate, Professor Michael Kremer meets Officers of Jal Jeevan Mission, DDWS
‘Har Ghar Jal’ programme plays a crucial role in improving health parameters especially among children: Prof. Kremer
Assures of collaboration with regard to safe storage of water, new and cost-effective water treatment technologies and impact studies on tap water availability in villages
Nobel laureate Professor Michael Kremer today interacted with Smt. Vini Mahajan, Secretary and senior officers from Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, UNICEF and other sector partners at Antyodaya Bhawan, here today.
Prof. Michael Kremer is an American development economist who was jointly awarded Nobel prize in Economics in the year 2019 with Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo, for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.
Prof. Kremer while addressing the officials said that one important finding from his study was that nearly 30% infant deaths can be reduced if safe water is made available to families for drinking. Diarrhoea is a very common ailment especially among new-born children. The new-borns are susceptible to water ailments and survey undertaken during their research, draws a conclusion that 1 in every 4 deaths, pertaining to children can be prevented with provision of safe water. Therefore, ‘Har Ghar Jal’ programme plays a crucial role in improving health parameters especially among children.
Prof. Kremer was happy to learn that Jal Jeevan Mission was not just making water available in rural household, but it also ensured that water supplied was of prescribed quality. In this regard, regular testing of water sources and end points was carried out through water testing laboratory and community surveillance using Field Test Kits .
Smt. Mahajan, highlighted the challenges on sustainability and suggested that behavioral change is required at ground level to ensure that the water is used judiciously.
Shri Nicholas Osbert, Chief-WASH from UNICEF, India spoke on the impact of safe water on child health. Other sector partners like WaterAid and Wash Institute shared their views on importance of safe drinking water.
Shri Vikas Sheel, AS & MD, National Jal Jeevan Mission said that JJM offers new opportunities for undertaking operational research. He said, it was the right time to undertake such studies as the villages are at different stages of coverage. While few villages have 100% coverage, many villages have partial tap water supply while some were still dependent on fetching water from the stand post.
Prof. Kremer assured of collaboration in future with regard to safe storage of water, new and cost-effective water treatment technologies and impact studies on tap water availability in villages.